Scott Brindle

My work

“Following graduation I was accepted onto a recruitment program, this came after countless applications for many different jobs within this company over the space of 6 months. After working up to 12 hour days for 3 weeks and completing a petroleum exploration exercise I was awarded a job within the company dealing with reservoir characterisation.

“The role involves running samples through an S.E.M with mounted EDS detectors which gives us the mineralogy data, we then take the data and characterise the reservoirs. The findings are communicated by technical reports much like the essays written at university with references and technical review, these are then sent to the client for review and then finalised. Sometimes it is necessary to meet the client to discuss the objectives and findings of the study which involves some travelling. Sampling trips are sometimes required which also means travelling, usually abroad, and meeting with other geologists tying together all of the field work knowledge I gained at university.

“I like the fact that I am using my education at work and Geology is a passion of mine so I particularly enjoy the nature of the work. Working in an almost recession proof industry to meet the energy demands of the world is exciting even if I only represent one cog in the vast machine of petroleum exploration.

“There is plenty of freedom in the role so I can manage my own projects and get what I want out of them, so I am always learning. I get to see many parts of the world at no expense to myself. Last of all, the salary is great and there is plenty of promotion ahead which is promising.

“I followed the compulsory course modules where choices were available and I opted for field-based work as well as analytical techniques, rock deformation processes, sediment transport processes and mineral deposits.

“While at university I was employed part-time at a local video store and over time I was promoted to Duty Manager. I worked up to 20 hours a week, some days this would mean getting up at 7am to get to university then going straight to work at 5pm until 10.30pm. Ultimately, I think the experience strengthened my CV and helped when applying for graduate roles, as it showed I was committed to working in a position of responsibility and had the ability to balance that with the demands of my course.

Memories of Manchester

“While at University I enjoyed the field trips the most, as it gives you the chance to employ the knowledge that you gain in the classroom. I also enjoyed the choice of subjects that were available giving me the freedom to choose my own route. The lecturers also deserve a mention - all of them were experts in their fields with reliable up to date information and robust data to support their theories and what they were teaching us. Some of them were truly inspiring.

“In this role sedimentology and analytical techniques are of particular use. Sedimentology was not one of my strongest subjects but I still managed to get here. However, most subjects are called upon day to day sometimes we have to get maps out or look at some seismic section or a geochemical maturity map, these are often helpful in our studies even if we are not reporting on them. Developing report writing and communication skill has been the most important; clients can just drop in and you have to give a presentation or an executive summary on where you’re up to.

“I would say the course I took was fantastic and I’d definitely recommended it. Balancing social life and university assignments is of paramount importance, its easy to miss deadlines and think ‘well its only 10% I’ll lose,’ but all of those percents add up and you may end up being 1-2% off that 2.1 or first that you’ve worked so hard for.

“You should also enjoy your time at university it’s not all about work it’s about developing into a young professional and gaining social skills as well, so in that respect attend group activities such as social nights out or join some societies. These can help you gain organisational and team building skills which are vital for your CV. When it comes to applying for jobs you just have to keep applying and pestering the employer. It can be frustrating but you just have to be persistent.

“Always try companies with graduate schemes and if you can get a summer placement for any employment related to your degree this will always help because you will have some professional experience which is often what stops your CV being read nay further and perhaps that company will sponsor your degree or offer you employment at the end.”